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Spirituality and You
Spiritual Experiences
Some people are connected to spirituality through prayer,nature, or meditiation and some by a combination. Spiritual experiences can take us beyond the walls of a church, synagogue, mosque and other places of prayer. What may seem ordinary and mundane and go unnoticed, may very well be a source of spiritual inspiration for some people. In nature, in the outdoors, from the energy of other people, in physical activity, in beauty, and in the simplicity of the commonplace, there exists spiritual opportunities. In a house of worship spiritual experiences may come through a connection to God in prayer and in the community of the religion. These are all opportunities that can help you get in touch with yourself, and tap the inner energy that resides inside yourself.
To whatever degree you observe your religion ,from religious to not observant at all, spiritual experiences can be found within you and around you. There is a growing number of adults who are unaffliated with any religious faith. Approximately 16.1% of people say they are not part of any particular organized religion. Ths is two times the amount it was, comparing to 20 years ago. 25% of adults under the age of thirty do not observe any religion. 92% of Americans believe there is a God or some superior being. 75% of adults pray and 40% meditate. 70% of Jews are not connected to a traditional congregation.
Spiritual experiences can give individuals a way to make a connection with God. Spirituality lends itself as an immersion experience on a physical and emotional level. The very act of seeing a sunrise, and creating an awe inspiring spiritual experience reminds us that we are part of something bigger, The word “spirituality” is derived from latin words ‘root spiritus’ meaning breath of life. Through spirituality we allow ourselves to experience deference, honor, and awe for an existence that is bigger than ourselves. Spirituality is knowing that the ordinary has a sacredness to it. We also can see greatness in the universe and through this connection, we can see greatness in ourselves. Spiritual experiences reminds us of our sense of purpose and fulfillment, that we are part of nature, and part of a bigger picture.
To whatever degree you observe your religion ,from religious to not observant at all, spiritual experiences can be found within you and around you. There is a growing number of adults who are unaffliated with any religious faith. Approximately 16.1% of people say they are not part of any particular organized religion. Ths is two times the amount it was, comparing to 20 years ago. 25% of adults under the age of thirty do not observe any religion. 92% of Americans believe there is a God or some superior being. 75% of adults pray and 40% meditate. 70% of Jews are not connected to a traditional congregation.
Spiritual experiences can give individuals a way to make a connection with God. Spirituality lends itself as an immersion experience on a physical and emotional level. The very act of seeing a sunrise, and creating an awe inspiring spiritual experience reminds us that we are part of something bigger, The word “spirituality” is derived from latin words ‘root spiritus’ meaning breath of life. Through spirituality we allow ourselves to experience deference, honor, and awe for an existence that is bigger than ourselves. Spirituality is knowing that the ordinary has a sacredness to it. We also can see greatness in the universe and through this connection, we can see greatness in ourselves. Spiritual experiences reminds us of our sense of purpose and fulfillment, that we are part of nature, and part of a bigger picture.
You Can Gain from Spiritual Experiences
There are other ways to engage our sense of spirituality. Even through exerciselike tai chi, we can create a connection that allows us to renew something stronger within us that helps us connect with a higher power. Spirituality can be found in writing, in painting, in gardening, even in cleaning. Connecting within yourself will always bring about greater self knowledge and improved self satisfaction. Mindfulness and focusing on the simple things like your breaths, can help you see things clearer and in a new light. Rediscover yourself, and you can open a whole new world through the nature that exists around us. Wonders and miracles exist in and around our everyday existence. Spiritual experiences await us everywhere.
Community is important. People who are liked minded, help remind us that we are vital in the places we choose to share a common bond of spiritual experiences. In our religious congregations, we can find a comraderie and a bonding with others that unifys us with those we share our beliefs with. This is but one place where our spirtitual life resides. Spiritual experiences, wherever we find it, is important because it reminds us we are part of something bigger.,
So how do we gain a sense of spirituality?
- through openmindedness
- by paying attention
- being an observer
- appreciation of things (how long did it take for that tree to grow)
- interact with other people (eye contact, friendly conversations with strangers, exchange a smile, offering help, extending compassion)
- live with a purpose (contribute, be a part of something, volunteer, apologize)
- say no
- slow down
- simplify your life
- go green
- be creative
- dream (honor the symbols of your dream)
The Essence of Spiritual Experiences
Spiritual experiences may be at the essence of some of the basic things we need. Our body, our mind, and our spirit are interconnected. Prayer and a belief in God is one way to gain a sense of spirituality. Duke University, School of Medicine, did a study of 4,000 adults aged 65-102 and found a correlation to regular attendance at religious services were less likely to be depressed than those who went less often. Other research has shown that people over 60 years old tend to live longer, healthier lives when they allow spirituality to be part of their lives. Reach out to others, let others connect to you, let spirituality be a part of your innerself.
You can also connect to nature to feel part of the bigger universe. In the stars at night, in the waves that roll in on the seashore, in the beauty of a flower, in the clouds floating by, we can embrace spirituality. From hiking to gardening we can connect to nature. We are part of nature. Nature resides within. Making this connection can be deep and fulfilling spiritual experience.
Spiritual experiences can be embodied in many ways, and in combination of all ways. Spirituality is important for our own emotional well being too. Do whatever you have to on a daily basis to gain a spiritual awareness. Spirituality is very beneficial for you in many ways.
Spirituality can help you deal with anxieties and issues you face on a regular basis.
You can also connect to nature to feel part of the bigger universe. In the stars at night, in the waves that roll in on the seashore, in the beauty of a flower, in the clouds floating by, we can embrace spirituality. From hiking to gardening we can connect to nature. We are part of nature. Nature resides within. Making this connection can be deep and fulfilling spiritual experience.
Spiritual experiences can be embodied in many ways, and in combination of all ways. Spirituality is important for our own emotional well being too. Do whatever you have to on a daily basis to gain a spiritual awareness. Spirituality is very beneficial for you in many ways.
Spirituality can help you deal with anxieties and issues you face on a regular basis.
- Live in the present moment. try not to overthink about tomorrow.
- Try to take action that leads to results. Avoid procrastination.
- Face challenges and fears for what they are. Question the fears, they might not really exist, or be as bad as you think they are.
- Count your blessings. Help your joys flourish and think positive about what you have. Life is what we are, not what wer are not, and so too, life is what we have, not what we don’t have.
- Meditate, pray, focus on the things you have to be thankful for, and allow yourself to relax.
- Appreciate yourself.
- Listen to music that connects you to your religion, to your past, to music that has meaning to you.
Spiritual Experiences Stay With You
In the New Year and throughout the course of the year, spiritual experiences await you. Spirituality exists all around us. Spiritual experiences can give you comfort. Look for it, and allow yourself to be open to receiving it. Spiritual renewal can do much to add a sense of depth to our lives. Incorporate the things that move you. Inspire a passion within yourself. Create a motivation, an inner drive, a spark that will help renew your inner self. These activities will bond you in a way that will help you with challenges that you face. Spirituality will help you on your way to achieving your desires. Spiritual experiences stay with you and will give you an inner peace that will help you in challenging times. Spirituality will elevate you above the fray of the everyday stresses. Spiritual experiences will help you keep things in perspective. Spiritual experiences will add to your mental health and your psychological well being. Spirituality is one of those things that can truly offer you many benefits without much investment in time, energy, or money. So go and get yourself some spiritual experiences today. It is a great way to start the New Year!
